Ranking 15 worst Mavericks starters of the Dirk Nowitzki era

6. Raja Bell

Bell went undrafted in 1999 out of Florida International University. He spent a year in the CBA before catching on the 76ers in 2001. After 79 games in Philadelphia, the Mavericks signed the 6’5 wing in 2002. They had been in the playoffs two straight years and were looking for depth. Bell quickly worked his way into the rotation and set a new career-high in playing time.

The 26-year-old was breaking out. He started 30 on his final 38 games as he averaged 3.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 18.9 minutes per game. His production and playing time ticked up a bit in the playoffs. Bell earned seven postseason starts as the Mavericks reached the conference finals for the first time since 1988. Still, there was a lot to be desired.

Raja Bell departed for Utah in free agency after just one season with the Mavericks. He was a starter and key rotation player for the next eight years. The 6’5 wing certainly started that run in Dallas, but he was not fully ready to blossom.

Raja Bell would make two All-Defensive teams and multiple playoff runs with the rival Suns in their Seven Seconds or Less era. The Dallas Mavericks wish they held onto the 6’5 wing, but he underperformed in his lone season with the franchise.